Communities First
The Communities First Programme is the Welsh Assembly Government’s long-term strategy for improving opportunities and the quality of life for people living and working in the most disadvantaged communities in Wales. The Programme ensures that the funds and support available from the Assembly, and other publicly funded agencies, are targeted at the poorest areas.
Communities First is different from previous funding programmes in a number of ways:
- It is a long-term programme which will run for a minimum of ten years.
- It enables communities themselves to decide what is needed and helps them realise their ambitions.
- It increases the level of participation of local people.
- It brings in funding and support from a number of different sources.
- It is about making a meaningful and lasting difference to our most disadvantaged communities.
- It encourages creativity, risk taking and imaginative approaches.
- It involves an integrated approach to addressing poverty and factors that cause or contribute to it.
Further Information:
The Communities First Programme is a long term plan for improving the living conditions and prospects for people in the most disadvantaged communities in Wales. The programme ensures that the money and support available from the Welsh Assembly Government and various other publicly funded agencies are targeted at the poorest areas Our role is to coordinate community led regeneration of the area with local residents, through Bedlinog and Trelewis Partnership Board, seeking cooperation from other organisations within the public, private and voluntary sector to work together with us to tackle many issues that affect the lives of people who live in the area. Local transport,
access to relevant health care, activities for children and young people, services for the ederly, family support, the environment, education and training opportunities are just some of the issues that have been brought to the attention of Communities First of which we are all working on at present.
We have now reached a stage whereby most needed and common issues that affect our communities have been identified. It is part of our job to gather these issues together and form a Community Action Plan to work on resolving the issues with the community. This may also mean looking for funding for different projects, working with other areas that have similar needs and monitoring and evaluating progress.
Currently over 70% of the areas population benefit from the work of Bedlinog and Trelewis Partnership Board who are involved in over 40 different ongoing projects including an internet café, educational course, mother and toddler groups, crèches, youth drop in centre, after school clubs, senior citizen clubs, environmental groups, sports clubs and health and well being community groups.
Successes are from one thing... Involvement from the community!
Meet the Team
Back row: Paddy McNally, Maria Roberts, Rachel Roberts, Hannah Mills
Front row: Gabriella Federico, Sherelle Jones, Jinny Mitten
Taff Bargoed Communities First contact details.
Bedlinog Resource Centre
Commercial Street
Bedlinog
CF46 6RF
Tel: 01443 710821
Fax:01443 710823
Trelewis Community Centre
Macintosh Terrace
Trelewis
CF46 6DB
Tel: 01443 413657
Fax: 01443 412477
Taff Bargoed Communities First
8/9 Perrot Street
Treharris
Tel: 01685 725495
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Picture to follow:
My name is Sherelle Jones and I am the Coordinatorof the Communities First Programme for Taff Bargoed. I was a Bedlinog Girl born and bred and moved to Trelewis just 3 years ago. I have been working in Communities First for the past 4 years and thoroughly enjoy all the challenges it presents and new people I meet through the process of trying to improve our area for ourselves, our children and the next generations to come.
My name is Paddy McNally I'm the Bedlinog Resource Centre manager. I’ve lived in Bedlinog all my life and love it here. I've played for Bedlinog RFC for years but recently gave it up due to injury, but still go to watch and cheer the Foxes on, it's great to see them doing so well. The Centre is used for a wide range of uses from Tiddlers playgroup, Welsh classes, digital photography to arthritis care, there is something here for eveyone. The Digilab in the centre is very popular and has over 300 members aged from 6 - 74, it offers free internet access, e-mail, free printing for course-work, scanner, fax, photocopier and much more.To hear Paddys embarrassing story Click Here
 My name is Rachel Robertsand I am the Community Development Officer for Bedlinog. I have lived in Bedlinog all my life and have been working for Communities First for nearly 4 years. I really appreciate the opportunity I have been given to help make a difference within my community. Part of my role is to work with local residents and community groups in a supporting role, helping them to identify the needs of our community. I act as a direct link between service providers and the community, working to regenerate the area through developing resources and capacity building. I have develop many projects within our community such as Health Awareness evens, Bedlinog & Trelewis Lantern Procession, Young People’s Transport, Youth Performance Project, Circus Workshops, Dance workshops all these have had a positive impact on the community, I am also the Project Manager for Bedlinog After School Club, which is a great provision for young people age between 7 – 11 years and runs Monday – Friday. If you would like more information or get involved with any of the projects we deliver in your community please contact us on: 01443 710821
My name is Gabriella Federico or AKA Gabbi as everyone calls me.
I am the Administratorfor Taff Bargoed Communities First and have been working with Communities First for 5 years.
I worked in Cardiff for 2 years in Pensions before being appointed with Communities First.
I enjoy working for Communities First as its more varied unlike most office jobs plus I like being on hand for the general community who use the centre on a regular basis.
Working in the villages where your family and friends live I feel my job is more of a pleasure than a job as we aim as a team to make it a better place to live, work and play.
I will be finishing very soon to have my second baby girl and I am really looking forward to having the summer off work with my 2 girls.
 My name is Hannah Mills; I’m the Communities First development officer for Trelewis. I started working for the Communities First programme in Caerphilly in 2006, before moving to the Bedlinog and Trelewis Partnership Board in June 2008. I’ve really enjoyed my time here in Trelewis so far, and have recently organised the annual Big V Festival. I look forward to organising many more community events and activities with the residents of Trelewis and Bedlinog. My main role is to support the residents, groups, clubs and organisations of Trelewis to identify and carry out projects that could enhance their community. If you or your group feel communities first could assist you to make positive changes in your community, please contact me on 01443 413 657.
 My name is Maria Roberts: I am a Development Officer for Taff Bargoed Communities First, based in the Treharris office, where I have been in post since May 2009. My role is to support residents and local community groups. I have recently worked with a number of organisations to turn an area of waste ground, adjacent to Bethania Chapel, into a community garden. I look forward to working with the community of Treharris over the next few years.
please contact me on 01685 725495
 Hello my name is Jinny Mitten and I am one of two Communities First Development Officers based in Treharris. We work with the local community to develop community based projects and programmes and in a supporting role to identify and secure funding for specific activities and projects. To date, I have successfully worked in partnership with Bedlinog Rugby Club to secure funding for a feasibility study for the creation of an artificial training ground in turn promoting economic development and regeneration activity in the area. I also work with Treharris Mini’s and Junior Rugby Club, Treharris Athletic Western Football Club, Treharris Netball Club and Treharris Boys and Girls Club.
I'm currentley on maternity leave but please contact Nicola Leane who can help with any queries
01685 725495
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